Well, I've never kicked anyone even half as hard as I could (and hope to never have to), so I can't really argue the point. I have dropped people and intentionally knocked them back, and the ones who went straight down were the ones in the most pain.

Well one of our 2nd don black belts saidthat there is not enough power in my right fount Kick. Because I was snapping it back to quickly,and not extending it through the target. This was during pad practice.

It depends on the type of kick, think of it like this: One is like trying to drive a log through something - thrust kick, the other is more of a "snap" that reverberates shock into the target. Using a pad, I cannot imagine trying the first kind of kick because pad simply won't work for it. For the second, honestly if you are unable to fully extend and that is the problem, not retraction.. just make your partner drop the pad until you can do it right, IMO.

Well, I've never kicked anyone even half as hard as I could (and hope to never have to), so I can't really argue the point. I have dropped people and intentionally knocked them back, and the ones who went straight down were the ones in the most pain.

Wow a name like IronFoot kinda suggest otherwise,lol. I only ever used this once in actual self defense. I dont think I used full power even, as I was trying to land it as fast as possible. With that said, it ended the fight immediately. He went straight down and stayed down.Four ribs broken.

If your partner or instructor says you arent getting enough power on a snap kick then you are probably trying too high. lower the kick, like Zach suggested.

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"When I let Go of who I am, I become who I might be." Lao Tzu

I would agree with that concerning most kicks,but Ive seen too many front kicks get caught, either by skill or pure accident. I think if you are going to use it in a defense situation, it should be of the speedy and snappy variety.

_________________________
"When I let Go of who I am, I become who I might be." Lao Tzu

You may want to knock someone away for a variety of reasons. It may be that you just want to "discourage" them.

The heel thrust does require the knee to be higher, since it works best as a descending kick. Targets are just above the groin or just inside the hip bone. Find out what 3 areas people get hernias in, and those are the spots!

This kick should also include that "hip roll" upwards some have described in front kicks.